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justanoutlawfic · 6 years

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What Christmas Means To Me: A Daddy Charming Fic

For Day 9 of @charmingfamilychristmas. Inspired by this LL Bean Christmas commercial, which includes the actor that played the Baby!Charming Twins. Basically, parallels Emma and David’s childhoods. Lots of angst.

Also on AO3/FF

David

Ruth didn’t know what she was going to do. Robert would often go on benders, but this was different. He would’ve been home by then and besides, he had promised he would give up drinking. She had believed him, she had seen the look in his eyes. He wanted to reunite their family, become a better man, the one he had been before they were forced to give James up.

Now it was Christmas Morning and he was nowhere to be found. He had been due home days prior and she had no word from him. On top of her worry, there was the fact that he was due to bring home presents for David. They couldn’t afford to spoil him on the holiday, but there were always at least a few small things. She had thought, perhaps, Robert was going to surprise them, but she was losing hope.

Looking around frantically, she tried to come up with some things she could quickly wrap. David still believed in Father Christmas and she wanted that to stick. She found a pair of his socks she was due to wash and one of Robert’s books. She hoped that her son wouldn’t recognize them, that she could still make Christmas magical for him.

After quickly wrapping them in some spare sacks, she rushed out into the main room. Her heart stopped when she found David standing there in his pajamas, staring at their tiny tree, with no presents beneath it. The look upon his face was one she had never seen before. He knew they were poor, he knew better than to ask for anything. Yet, Christmas was the one time of year he got a little something, at least a small toy to play with. The disappointment mixed with hurt written all over the 5-year-old was enough to make Ruth want to cry.

“David,” she said, rushing over to him. He looked up at her, his face not changing. “Look, Father Christmas must have missed the tree!” She held up the items. “He left them in my room.”

David stared at his mother, blinking a bit. He knew when his parents were lying to him and despite his mother’s best efforts, he knew just what was going on. Father Christmas wasn’t real. His father must have been in charge of the presents and since he was late-probably sick again-there were none that year.

He forced a small smile on his face. His mother was trying, he would have to as well. “Thank you, Mother,” he whispered.

The smile didn’t match his eyes and the one Ruth plastered on didn’t either. “You open your presents, I’ll make us some breakfast.”

Emma

It was her first Christmas since she had been taken out of the Smith’s. She still didn’t quite understand what had happened. By now she knew that she wasn’t their daughter, but still, why would they give her up? It was a bit too much for the 4-year-old to understand. For the past few months, she had been staying with the Johnsons. They weren’t the nicest people, not as warm as her parents had been. They didn’t read her bedtime stories and sometimes they forgot to give her food. They had even forgotten her birthday, Emma only remembered because her social worker had come by with a small card for her.

But Christmas was different, in the 4-year-old’s mind. The house had been decorated from top to bottom, there was even a tree. Ben and Kate’s children seemed to be super excited about Santa coming, so Emma was too.

Christmas Morning, she hopped out of the bunk bed she shared with the other foster child that was living in the house and ran down the stairs. There were tons of presents under the tree and they moved closer, trying to find ones with their names on them. However, the harder they looked, the more they realized that there were none. Emma bit her lip, walking over to Ben.

“Where’s my presents?”

Ben laughed, bitterly. “The presents are for our real children.”

“Santa brings presents to every child,” she said, softly.

“That would be if Santa was real.” He rolled his eyes. “Your present is that you get to spend one more day in his house, despite my better judgement.”

Emma felt tears gather in her eyes. Looking around the room, she saw pictures of her foster family’s biological children. She would never belong, she would never be a part of any family. The fact was, she was just the unwanted bonus kid.

The lump of coal forced down everybody’s throats.

Together

David loved his wife. They were true love and they agreed on most things, they understood each other better than anyone else in the world.

Even so, she didn’t get what a big deal Christmas was to him. She found it sweet that he had such a big heart and wanted to make sure everyone had an amazing Christmas. He’d always adopt a few less fortunate families and spend just as much as he would on his own family. Money was no object, obviously, and he never wanted anyone to go through what he did. Even so, she still made light jokes whenever he’d get yet another gift for Emma or Neal. She spoiled them just as much as he did and she obviously meant no harm, she just didn’t get it.

Frankly, David was glad she didn’t. His wife had been raised a princess. She didn’t know the pain that he did. While she had been a bandit and learned the harsh realities of the world, as a child, she had good Christmases. He had heard stories of lovely meals and loads of presents under the tree. She even had a few good memories from when Regina was her step-mother. He didn’t want anyone to feel how he had as a child.

Little did he realize, one of his own had gone through similar events that he had.

It all came to light when he ran out of places to stash Neal’s toys. He headed up to Emma’s room and opened her closet. He was shocked to find that it was stuffed to the brim with messily wrapped presents and gift bags.

“Trying to find your Christmas present?” She teased from the doorway. David turned around, chuckling a bit. “Don’t worry, I didn’t hide yours in there. Those are all Henry’s.”

“No, I just ran out of places to hide Neal’s,” he said. “Though, now that I see your stash for Henry alone, I wonder if we’ll have any room left under the tree at all.”

Emma shrugged. “It’s a big tree. Though, Mom said the same thing.”

“She’s been teasing you too?”

“Yeah.” She sighed. “Sometimes I forget that even though she was a bandit and understands me in some ways, she doesn’t in others. Not in a bad way, I know she loves me and I love her, it’s good she can’t relate to this part.”

David arched an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“Growing up, she had amazing holidays. Regina’s told me about the Christmases they had in that palace. Mom knows what I went through as a kid and I know it makes her go a little overboard herself, but I don’t think it sunk in.”

It slowly dawned on David. “I’m guessing your Christmases in the system weren’t exactly a royal affair.”

“I don’t remember the first few years of my life, but I think I had good ones with the Smiths. My first one after they…well, after they had their kid,” Emma frowned at the memory. “I was in a crappy foster home, they got their biological children presents, but none for the foster kids. That sort of set how things were my entire life.”

David frowned. “Oh Emma…”

“It’s okay.” She shook it off. “Really, I’m over it. I guess I try to overcompensate as a result with Henry and Neal. I know you guys and Regina go overboard anyway with them, but I still remember what it was like…to wake up Christmas morning and feel that pain. To go to school after the break and listen to everyone talk about all the amazing gifts they got, when you were lucky if you even got to eat that day.”

David and Emma sat on the bed together, him wrapping a protective arm around her.

“I’m sorry you had to go through all that,” he whispered. “I…I never wanted that for you.”

“Dad, it’s fine. You and Mom did what you had to, to keep me safe. I don’t blame you.”

“Still.” He shook his head. “When I was a kid, Christmases were never a grand affair. My parents did the best they could so I could feel the magic of the holiday. Then when I was 5, the year my father went missing, there weren’t any presents. He was supposed to bring them. My mom tried to make it better, she wrapped up some stuff we had around the house, but it was too late, I had seen the empty tree. I learned Father Christmas wasn’t real that year.”

“Oh, Dad,” Emma squeezed his hand, frowning.

“After that, things were pretty bad. We both tried to make it great for each other, but winters were often the worse for the farm. Mother was usually away trying to get us the best supplies. I never wanted you to be alone on Christmas.”

“You had no way of knowing. Besides, we’re together now.” She laid her head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

“I’m sorry you did, too. Even so, the best Christmas I ever had was the one after the curse broke. The four of us, seeing your face when you saw all the gifts…it was 29 years too late, but it was amazing.”

“That was my favorite too. Mom, Henry and I celebrated the holiday together under the curse, but that was the first time we were all a family.” She let out a small, content sigh. “Maybe we should try to go a bit easier next year, remember what it’s really about. We’re together now, that’s what’s important.”

“You’re right.” He kissed her temple. “I love you, Em.”

“I love you too, Dad.”

#daddy charming #daddy charming au #charming family #charming family au #david x emma #emma x david #emma x charming #charming x emma #emma swan #david charming #david nolan #prince charming #ruth nolan #ruth charming #ruth ouat #charmingfamilychristmas #12daysofcharmingchristmas

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thatoneshedevil1 · 7 years

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Stressed Out MC feat. RFA

(Hello everyone! Here I thought I’d demonstrate an example of my writing style. I hope you all enjoy it.)

Seven

×Youve been nothing but supportive for him, encouraging him, and attempting to be closer only for him to push you away.

× While dealing with guests and with Seven constantly avoiding you, it’s no wonder you’re starting to lose your head a little.

× It just so happens that a crying MC curled up in a ball with her phone in her hand was enough to indicate to Seven how much you were suffering.

× He instantly attempted to call you, but the tables turned when you hit the decline button.

×Seven swore under his breath as he contemplated what to do, he knew that her pain wasn’t a joke. He swore this was a disaster but there was no other way around it. He constantly called you, repeatedly while his eyes remained undetering from the screen.

×After all the times that you’ve been there for him, he had to be there for you. So when you answered the phone..

×Silence was on the other end. “MC? I’m so so so so sorry!” Seven pleaded, guilt written in his features. But, only you couldn’t see it.

×"I know I’ve not been there, and I’ve been a huge prick. You’ve been doing so much for the RFA-“

×You sobbed, saying you were stressed. The conversation led to him attempting to make you laugh, all while ending with him spamming you with memes. And nothing could pull this night off with the sincerest of words.

[I] "I love you.”

Zen

× With home life, and the RFA, and the secrets of Rika’s apartment and everyone’s expectations of you. You burst into a loud fit of sobs that seemed to echo throughout the only memory of Rika: her apartment.

×You were constantly held up to a standard, everyone’s offered their help. However, to Zen you were a beautiful constellation in his eyes. When he didn’t see you in the chatroom, answering in a vague tone. Your man got worried.

×Zen called, only for him to hear sniffling on the other end. His heart sank as you tried to compose yourself.

×"Z-zen?“ You managed to mutter as you wiped your cheeks with the back of your hand. Damn, that should have been him. Between his cast, his rehearsals, he couldn’t have seen sooner just how much you were suffering.

× "What’s the matter?” Zen cooed, “Where are you right now?”

“At the apartment.”

Zen felt a lightbulb go off in his head.

“Give me an hour.”

He hung up rather abruptly, leaving you confused and a tad disheartened. But in that hour later, Zen was a man of his word.

“I’m giving you a ticket to one of my shows! Come over!”

Of course you couldn’t reveal the apartment aadress, but, you awaited at a different location while Zen showed up wearing a biker jacket and a pair of jeans. Damn, he looked like a model. You couldn’t help but be in awe.

His smirk quickly vanished as easily as it appeared as his form was infront of you. Cupping your cheeks with his hand. He showered you with kisses and helped strap a helmet onto you.

× Bonus points for your arms being wrapped around his waist.

When you got to his home, which you have been here before. (I mean c'mon you two are dating) he attempted to make a meal with the ingredients he got, but..only to fail miserably when the rice was burning.

You two cooked together, and watched you in adoration from time to time. He knew you both were stealing looks at each other.

He led you to the couch, and cleared his throat. You couldn’t help but widen your eyes when you saw Zen dramatically pose. It was a One Man Show. This man proceeded to take your breath away. When the show was over, he had fallen to the ground (this guy’s an actor)

Gasping, you rushed to his side and he sat up with a grin.

“The touch of a princess will always awaken your prince.”

You felt your eyes prick with tears and a wide grin wavered through your lips. This was the most that anyone had ever done for you. Before he could retort with concern, you tackled him into a hug before adorning his beautiful features and spirit with feather light pecks.

“This night has been amazing. I love you, so much.” You whispered as you lay on top of him.

Zen smiled warmly as he looked up at you, and turned to switch sides. He was now on top, with his hand pressed to your cheek.

“Every night is amazing when I’m with you.”

That night turned to a sensual Makeout session, and a rather adorable movie night.

×Jumin

Work was especially tiring this particular day. With women throwing themselves at his feet, in appraisal of his money and finances: He could only politely excuse himself from the crowd while his sole thoughts remained on MC.

Stress ate at him throughout the day, and just when he had a break: he decided to send a text message to his wonderful lover.

“Women threw themselves at my feet, I could only manage to step over them..politely of course.”

“lol”

Jumin frowned at this response, You usually were all for roasting the women that would do such a thing. After all, that was one of the many beautiful traits he loved about you. (everyone needs a roasting buddy don’t lie)

“MC, are you alright?”

No response. Jumin also acknowledged the fact that MC responds rather quickly..perhaps she was busy with work? Much to his disarray, he began fiddling with paperwork to pass the time. Yet his eyes always returned to the screen upon the phone.

That’s it. He’s absolutely worried. He had put you on speed dial, and when he heard that she answered the phone on the first ring a relieved sigh emitted from his lips.

“Love, are you alright?” Jumin questioned with concern etched upon his fine features.

“No,” MC sobbed. “I’m not.”

Before he could urge her to tell her, she had already taken the liberty of continuing.

“I have been trying so hard for the RFA but it’s just not fair. Like nothing that I do will ever amount to the work that Rika does! Of course I brush off what Yoosung says all the time, but it hurts. It especially hurts that today’s my birthday of all things, and I’ve been doing nothing but responding to emails. I feel like I’ve been forgotten by everyone, especially you.”

Tears pricked his eyes as he listened to how his beloved felt, and before he could part his lips to speak he realized he may break out into sobs with her. She had accomplished a lot, taking on everyone’s burden but her very own. Nobody was really there for him, and he had let her down.

Jumin glanced at the clock upon the wall, it was the afternoon. He still had time to gather all the supplies and people necessary. He was determined to prove his worth.

“Love, listen to me. I need you to meet me tonight upon the roof of my penthouse.”

“Jumin,I-”

Before MC could protest, he intervened. “I am going to make this the best night of your life.”

He spoke with fervor, determination. MC’s eyes had widened as her lips had parted. A faint blush formed upon her cheeks as she stayed silent upon the phone. The redness under her eyes were evident to her pouring her heart out.

“Do you trust me?” Jumin questioned.

MC slowly exhaled, closing her eyes as she envisioned herself standing in front of him. Inhaling the rich cologne of his suit, and the sharp scent of his tuxedo.

“Okay.” Mc carefully spoke, “I’ll be there tonight. I promise.”

Jumin hung up, excused himself from work that very evening as he made important phone calls. He indescribably threatened anyone that didn’t comply with his requests. He was determined to make this a night you couldn’t forget.

The evening came around, and Jumin stood in front of you with an endearing smile. “I’m glad you decided to trust me. I’ve something to bestow upon you.” He carefully wrapped a blindfold around your eyes,

“Jumin?” You ask, holding out your hand as he carefully took it to entangle his fingers through yours.

“You can trust me.”

Jumin led you up a flight of stairs, making sure you were beside him. When he stopped at the door, he removed the blindfold and opened the door.

“SURPRISE!” The RFA Members cheered while Seven was using the party popper. Debris of colored flakes flowered the ground, but quickly blew away due to the rather careless wind that brushed by.

Regardless, you had a wonderful time. The cake was indeed your favorite, (That much he remembers.) And tears of joy filled your eyes as a happy laugh emitted from your lips. Before Jumin had said anything, you instantly wrapped your arms around his neck.

“Thank you, I love it. I love you.” You pulled away, cupping his cheeks with a grin. Regardless, Jumin pressed his lips against yours and V, whom had fixed his eyesight: snapped a beautiful picture of you.

Sad to say, Jumin couldn’t snap a great picture of you blowing out the candles on your birthday cake: V had him covered. When the night had calmed down, and the maids had begun cleaning up what was left of the aftermath: Jumin sauntered towards you. Endearingly pulling you closer to his side with his hand rested comfortably at your waist.

Jumin kept his eyes on you for a while, admiring the way your smile complimented the stars that twinkled in your beautiful irises.

“I’m sorry, that I forgot.” Jumin spoke, “I hope that you are happy.”

He could have sworn he stopped breathing when you turned to face him looking like a dream come true.

“I’m more than happy, you did forget but you did everything in your power to make sure I didn’t feel like I had been forgotten..or even a waste of space to you. Thank you.”

Jumin’s eyes pricked with tears as he pulled you closer to his chest, while you both engulfed each other in an embrace. His head rested upon yours as he looked up at the stars.

“You know, MC. I’m the worst at photography.” He explained while he removed the phone from his pocket.

Upon seeing it, you couldn’t help but laugh. “Here, let’s take a picture. This time..you let me take it.” You playfully scolded him.

Standing close together, and you professionally holding the phone a good distance away from the both of you: you snapped a selfie that would forever be a night the two of you remember…in anneversaries to come.

×Yoosung

You two had recently started dating, while you were understanding of the grief that followed Rika: you both were positive enough to find similarities.

If you thought differently, he loved to question you. To try and understand you.

It always appeared on the surface that Yoosung had it easier than you did, caring about his grades but not doing anything: running away from the real world with the help of a console. You remembered you used to be the same way.

“You know, I tried asking Rika about the way she handles people and, I could try and help you if you like! I want to be helpful to you!”

“Yoosung, I’m not Rika.” You carefully pronounciated as you slammed the dish you were holding in your hands. The glass shattered in the sink, causing Yoosung to jump.

He had unconsciously said that, while his hands had been working their magic against whatever villain he was up against. Yoosung panicked, grounding his teeth as he rushed over to you.

“MC, I’m so so sorry!” He pleaded with tears in his eyes, but you were pissed.

“I AM NOT RIKA.” You bellowed from the top of your lungs, causing Yoosung to step back. “Every single time we talk, it’s always about Rika. It’s always about how great she was, how she was this magnificent shadow that I’ll never be able to catch up to!”

“MC, that’s not true!” Yoosung argued as he extended a hand towards you, which you eagerly slapped away.

“RIKA IS DEAD! You’re giving up your future, your life, your time to a memory! Every day, I see you waste your life away. When you talk to me, it’s like you don’t see me! You just see what you want to see!” You pleaded towards him,

“Yoosung, I love you, but there’s only so much that I can take.” Tears pricked your eyes as he watched your shoulders shake from the pain that you’ve endured for so long.

He tenderly grabbed your wrist and set you upon the toilet, where his hands began to remove the shards of glass that were in your finger.

Hissing, you grounded your teeth. Yoosung looked up at you, “I’m sorry, I’ll try to do better.” Yoosung murmured as he focused on you.

When the silence was thought to be a punishment, he broke it with a “I know.”

Yoosung looked into your eyes, as an overwhelming maturity overtook him that made you take your breath away.

“Rika is..more than a memory, MC. She was family, I was her only family. You..you do remind me of her. And you’re right, I do only see what I want to see. I forget that, you’ve only a week to plan a party.”

You opened your mouth to speak, but he intercepted your thoughts.

“I know. I’ve not been the best, I’ve never had anyone. I’ve never really thought about your pain..I can only imagine what you’re going through. But, please don’t give up on me. I’ll try and be better for you, for the both of us. It’s just that, you’re so strong, MC. To carry on all this burden, and..i thought you were fine.’”

Your shoulders shook, as you clamped your hand over your mouth. Tears pricked your eyes as you slowly shook your head, “But I’m not.” You strained the words while you looked down at the ground in shame. “I’m not at all.”

The whispers broke his heart as he had removed the pieces of glass from within your skin, treating it with specific care as he bandaged it.

“MC.” Yoosung cooed as he cupped your face with his hands.

“You are absolutely magic. Nobody could do what you’ve been doing. I’ve underestimated and assumed who you are, because I was too blind to see. But, I love you. I’m so sorry for hurting you. If you stay with me, I’ll make certain you won’t forget it.”

A beam of light filtered through the window, and you saw something in Yoosung’s eyes you hadn’t seen before. Behind the alluring violet eyes, you saw the foretelling of a man beginning to grow. A man who keeps their word.

“Do you promise?” You hinted, a soft smile wavering through your lips.

“I promise.” He returned your smile as you held up your pinky finger.

As childish as it was, this was a pact between you two. He entangled his pinke with yours before you pressed your lips to his.

It was a long journey the two of you had decided to travel on, but within this: you found a soulmate willing to grow alongside you.

#rfa imagines #MM #mystic messenger #mysticmessengerrfa #jumin #seven #yoosung #zen #party #stressed #MC

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kalimarsdreamlog · 5 years

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Dream 200: I’m the Hated Cat Princess Again and Everyone Keeps Dying

This one wasn’t that fun, but it was a spiritual successor to another dream I’ve posted (dream 172) so I figured I’d post it.

At first I was at a family dinner, except my cousins kept looking at me sort of hostile-ly. I didn't understand it. Eventually someone said something extremely rude and I left the table in a huff.

I went to my room, except then the dream shifted. Suddenly my room was freaking huge, and there were all these people in there who absolutely hated me. They were all strangers but they knew who I was and acted like I had done something terrible.

I started dragging them out of my room one by one. I was hesitant to touch them because if you so much as touch someone they can declare assault, but you know what, they were also trying to physically harm me so I was pretty sure I had the upper hand in the assault department. At first all I did was drag them out of my room by the arm, tolerating when they would punch me, but when they started touching me grossly the kid-gloves came off.

Something I forgot to mention was that I was the princess from that one dream where I fought in a war, everyone hated me (again) and I got cat features halfway through. So I hit, clawed, and bit to get people to stop touching me. I could also fly like usual, so I tried flying up high to get away but they always found a way to get to me.

I grabbed two guys with my legs, found a soft place to dispense them (some beanbags) and dropped them, but one of them fell headfirst and broke his neck somehow. Great. Another thing I'd get blamed for. I knew people were purposefully trying to rile me up so I'd show my worst side, but unfortunately I let them because that was the character of the person I was in the dream. I was very confrontational, especially as it got harder and harder to be left alone.

Then Trump did one of his speeches. There was a TV in my room and the people had the speech turned on. In it, he showed a video of…something. There were gargantuan mice that some of the presidential office people were riding. "There's your tax dollars at work," I pointed out. This was clearly CG. And what was the point? Turns out it was supposed to be about radiation changing some of the animals. I didn't believe it (for good reason I think. The video was ridiculous) until I saw some of the animals in my room. There was a rainbow lobster-lizard that I took a liking to. I freed it so it could live as it pleased.

At some point some girls brought a camera. I settled down a little because they were being somewhat civil (not trying to outright attack me, except maybe with words). They wanted to know what I was thinking when I did whatever I did that caused people to hate me. I asked them what it was, and apparently Trump had mentioned me in one of his speeches, so people started digging up information about me to see who I was. Someone found out that I had gone to some tribish place in middle school and mistook someone for the leader who wasn't. She wasn't ever looked at the same way again. I didn't understand the big deal, but people were really upset about it. The fact that I was so confrontational when people started invading my room was just an added bonus to think I was a horrible person.

I eventually got fed up and fled my room. Out in the kitchen someone pulled the head off a snake and I got upset at the blatant disregard for life. They called me weak, so I snarled, "Compassion is NOT a weakness!" and left the house altogether.

At this point I was just trying to hide. They had enough ammo to charge me with several accounts of assault and even murder, (though I looked at it more as manslaughter since it was an accident) so I thought it best to leave before any more racked up. No matter how confrontational and prideful I was, there were some situations where you just couldn't win.

The house was connected to a mall, where even more stupid stuff happened. Someone had some sort of flying machine that they rammed into me, carrying me into a giant tunnel. They also ran into a couple other people, taking them with us. The tunnel started out horizontal, and one of the girls couldn't hold on anymore and fell off, skidding along the floor. She was fine so I didn't really care. Then the craft started spinning as the tunnel sloped downward until it was vertical. The pilot and I were thrown off. Not wanting any more murder charges on my hands (you know they would blame me, whether it was my fault or not) I flew down the tunnel and caught him before slowing our fall at the bottom. There I met the lobster-lizard I had set free. Though he had fit in my arms before, he was now three times my size. He let us go without consequence as repayment to me.

There was a scene that was right out of star wars where we fought in more flying machines. People were shooting each other down, and no matter how much I yelled at them to eject they would go down with their ship. It was so frustrating, because I knew I would get blamed for it. I'd shoot off a wing instead of shooting the main body of the craft so that they had enough time to eject, but they always chose death. I couldn't understand it.

Then I happened upon a birthday party. All the little kids hated me too, but what was I supposed to do about that? They were little kids. I think I tickled one of them in revenge and she ran away laugh-crying. Served her right. I got away from the kids to try to get some peace and quiet and happened upon their base room where all the decorations and presents and stuff were. Someone was already there, ruining the room and popping balloons. I stood outside watching, knowing that if I tried to stop her that I would get blamed. When she tried to leave I blocked the doorway. No way was I letting her get away to pin the damage on me. The popping of the balloons drew the attention of the kids, so they ran back to their base room to find it wrecked, with the girl inside looking panicked and me standing outside the doorway. The girl said that I did it, while I said how could I, I was outside the room while she was inside. She had done it. One of the more reasonable people asked me what had happened and I described in detail the order that the other girl had done it. "Well, I think it's reasonable to say you did it." I gaped. I told the truth and they blamed me anyway? Screw them. I left the mall.

I flew over some tall playgrounds and found some giant trees, which I thought would be good to hide in. They didn't look climbable, and I was the only person I knew who could fly. I hid there until the people harassing me migrated to the playgrounds, somehow knowing I was there. One of them used the playground to get into the tree, and started getting grabby with me again. I snarled again, "No touching!" And threw him out of the tree. I seemed to have a penchant for throwing people. Anyway, I made sure he didn't land headfirst this time, but he certainly left some skin behind as he scraped along the ground. I think he died anyway, which was just perfect.

I went and hid on top of a hut thing. Someone climbed up on top of it to continue harassing me and I said, "I'd get down if I were you, before something really unfortunate happens. I don't seem to know my own strength." His eyes widened at the threat and he scrambled down as fast as he could. Finally, someone who was intimidated. He had good reason to be. I had already killed a couple people, accident or not.

I went to hang out on top of a bigger building so that people couldn't climb up. Unfortunately there were two people, a boy and a girl, in a contraption that they could walk in made of metal. They walked to the edge of the building. I ran after them, but right as I reached them they jumped, making it look like I had pushed them. I flew down after them, just managing to catch the contraption (and them by extension) before they hit the shallow water below. The metal contraption along with two people was too heavy for me to carry however, and I couldn't rise high enough out of the water to bring them to solid land. Then the girl fell out of the contraption, falling into the water. That made it light enough for me to get it and the boy to dry land, but then I had to dive back into the water to search for her. I didn't end up finding her. Now there was another death that would be blamed on me.

I went back into the mall, because clearly hanging out on top of buildings was nothing but trouble. I found a landing that wasn't connected to anything and hid on that, until people figured out where I was and started throwing things at me. I threw them back. And that's about when I woke up.

Table of Contents

FAQ

#dream 200 #dreams #cat princess #minke #fighting #ish #powers #flying #gross political stuff #she ANGERY #original/no fandom

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passportrequired · 5 years

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Our Second Bad Review in 3 Years: We're On A Roll

I thought we’d breeze through the rest of 2018 without another bad review, but I forgot the Fancy trip was coming, and with that, I somehow knew exactly the issues we’d have with one or more of the travelers. This trip took us to Bali with an 18-hour layover in Hong Kong.

After reading Lamesha’s review, I am now aware that either Lamesha didn’t read the signup page properly, where it says the only difference between the fancy trip and every other trip we’ve taken is that we wouldn’t be staying in a hostel and there would be no limit on bags. The rest would be the same (and this is all spelled out in the required reading also on the signup page). Or I should have made it even simpler somehow, perhaps in photos.

IN CASE YOU WANT TO SKIP AHEAD AND NOT READ ANYTHING BELOW: Lamesha Miles wrote a review because:

1. She feels “the leader” should have stood directly beside her in line when buying a ticket, walking her through how to purchase it, even though everyone was given the same information at the same time from the customer service rep while standing in that very line.

2. She voluntarily walked through a turnstile while laughing and smiling instead of purchasing a ticket to get through it like those who “did the right thing.”

3. She packed her things and moved out of the house without communicating it directly to “the leader,” but felt that even though she had a bed in her new house, she should also have a bed in the house with “the leader.” Also, she left the house and the main group after the first day in Bali, having no idea how the rest of the trip actually went for the main group.

4. Her definition of “organized” doesn’t match the one we grew up with.

5. When 5 of 9 people complain several times about your attitude, it’s time to look within.

Let’s get through Lamesha’s review piece by piece, shall we? Or at least attempted point by attempted point.

LAMESHA: *clears throat* I contemplated just walking away from this trip with only my friends and fellow travelers knowing of the disgust I felt with this trip.. But that wouldn’t be fair and didn’t sit well with my spirit or consciousness.. So here goes….. This trip was called the “oh so different: fancy trip”; cost $2,000 per person and consisted of 9 people; 7.5 of which (to my knowledge) paid $2K each. This will soon become relevant. Our “fancy” trip destination was Bali with an 18 hr layover in Hong Kong. We were warned that our Hong Kong lodging wasn’t going to be “fancy” and even though not expected, it was okay with me. I only agreed to go on this trip because one of my friends had been on several and spoke very highly of it. But she told me they typically stay in hostels. So I was like “COUNT ME OUT!” But then this “fancy” trip came along and it happened to be over my birthday weekend, so I signed up. Leaving the airport in Hong Kong I started seeing red flags….we arrived at the airport train and the leader walked up to buy a ticket; leaving the rest of us in line. We had to ask what is our final destination? I believe that should’ve been communicated.

PASSPORT REQUIRED: We’re sorry it’s weighing on your consciousness. Let’s try to get through this together. It’s certainly correct that the group was told the Hong Kong trip would be less than fancy since it was decided at the last minute to stay there longer than expected. In fact, most of the group, several who’ve traveled with Passport Required before, expected to not even leave the airport. 18 hours though? We were definitely leaving, eating, getting some kind of rest, and returning. Blah blah blah, let’s talk about this train thing at the airport. You saw a red flag when the leader (Darnell), bought a ticket? Even after he announced to the group that they must all buy tickets to get to the city? Even after he actually bought tickets for 4 people while everyone else stood right there in line waiting to buy theirs next? After purchasing the tickets, Darnell stood directly by everyone else to walk them through the process of purchasing a ticket at the counter. You saw a red flag where? To be clear, again: at no point during that time at the counter, figuring out how to purchase tickets together, was anyone in danger of being left behind. At no point did anyone fear being left behind, but you. What brought about that fear?

We should have been clear that “fancy trip” did not mean we’d hold their hands and wipe the dried, cloud-like configurations from the corners of their mouths.

Lamesha Miles, Potato Head Beach. Photographer: Ty Reed

LAMESHA: Next we had to take a subway; the leader told us to buy a ticket to XYZ station. When we arrived at XYZ station we transferred onto another train line. At our final destination, we had to scan our ticket in order to exit. It did not work and the turnstile didn’t open. I travel to Europe a lot and the subway system is the same way, you pay for your zone when you leave. When we went past the original station it was clearly out of the zone that we purchased. The leader was able to walk thru because a turnstile was open, but then it closed. Not wanting to get left by the leader who at this point was the only one who knew our lodging info, I went through behind a stranger to exit. A few more of the travelers followed. But majority stayed behind, even though the leader encouraged them to just come through with someone. The others did the right thing and found a ticket booth and purchased the additional fare. Hostel in Hong Kong – there were 9 of us, yet I counted 7 beds. As a grown-up, who spent $2K on a trip; I had no intention of sharing a bed, especially with a stranger. But I’m adaptable and I thought it’s only a few hours. At our final destination I will experience the luxuriousness that I deserve and this will mean nothing.

PASSPORT REQUIRED: But there was no fear of being left my “the leader” because “the leader” stood still, waiting patiently for everyone to come through. At no point was “the leader” going to leave. And at no point was anyone there thinking this would happen. Well, except you. Also, you followed the stranger through the turnstile, laughing, smiling, and joking that it reminded you of NYC. These dramatics are beginning to sound a lot like that one episode from one of the early seasons of Real World. Poor Kevin. As for the hostel in Hong Kong, no one was required to stay there. Again, and as you also pointed out, Hong Kong was an added bonus and everyone was already told it’d be much less than fancy. In fact, some folks even ventured out to see if they could find a room of their own in other hotels. Since you’ve brought us to this point, it’s only right that I also tell you, there were two extra unused beds in an extra room that was offered to us from management that night for the trouble they put us through. When “the leader” returned from the ATM to look for you, you had already chosen to share a bed. You also failed to mention any of this when I saw you just moments later during your diarrhea episode. In short, your hand was not being forced. You were not forced to share a bed with a stranger at any point during this bonus Hong Kong trip. In short, we don’t quite understand your complaint here.

LAMESHA: NOPE! WRONG! Air bnb in Bali (Villa Puri Shanti (google it)) – this among the lack of organization is why this trip received 1 star. When we arrived at the Air Bnb ( a house clearly under construction) a barefoot man with a ripped up t-shirt opened the car door of our taxi. I yelled! I honestly thought this was a man on the street, I didn’t realize this was one of the groundsmen of the Air Bnb. Once inside we were welcomed with a pool full of brown water and 8 beds for 9 people. The place looked like it hadn’t been clean in months. The white sheets on the bed had stains, the bathrooms didn’t have working shower heads, one of the rooms had a birds nest in the closet, the wi-fi didn’t work and there were multiple stray cats roaming around the house. It was apparent, none of the women were comfortable or satisfied with the place. When the leader was told waterbugs (big brown roaches) and lizards were in the bedrooms, he responded with “this is nature.” I wanted to cry, leave and die all at the same time. There was no way I could stay in this place for 5 nights. I immediately started looking up resorts like the Hard Rock, because I expected fancy and this was not it. Some of the other travelers looked up Air bnb and not only did they find nicer real luxurious houses, we realized they were all extremely cheap; less than $100 per night. We found our “villa” as well it was $17/per night. Need I say more? Remember 7.5 x $2K…. Our villa had 2 reviews one of which was from 2015 by a person who stayed 1 night. I was too scared to even take a shower that night, I waited until the morning. It was hard to sleep tho with the birds chirping all night. My shower consisted of me standing in the bathtub with only the bottom faucet running because the showerhead did not work. We all started looking up other options because the Leader didn’t seem to have any issue with the place. Several of us decided to leave after we went into town. When we came back to collect our belongings the door of the shack, I mean the house was locked. Our driver knew the owner, so he attempted to call someone….and when they didn’t answer he WALKED THROUGH THE PART OF THE HOUSE THAT WAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND FROM INSIDE OF THE HOUSE; OPENED THE DOOR. So we slept at a place where people could walk right in, that explained the stray cats. So anyway we left.

PASSPORT REQUIRED: In short, you are saying the place didn’t look and function as the AirBnB page said it would and “the leader” did his best to keep the people calm? Got it. Here’s what actually happened. After arriving and seeing that the place was not as it was described in the ad, “the leader” jumped on the phone with AirBnB to begin locating a new residence for the entire group. While in town at the Bali Swing, one of “the leader’s” favorite travelers informed him that half the group would be moving out because they found a new place to stay after deciding the original lodging wasn’t suitable. “The Leader” understood wholeheartedly since he found the place utterly disgusting and not-so-safe as well. “The leader” did, however, wish they’d informed him of their decision prior to finalizing it, but it threw no wrench into the plans. Well, I guess your plans, but no one else. Finding a solution with the team at AirBnB took longer than expected because there were issues with the owners and getting accepted for last minute bookings. As “the leader,” I am sad about how the first place turned out. And angry about that. Had you come to me prior to making your decision to leave, perhaps your complaints would have been shorter. I am often disappointed when a thing presents itself as one thing, but turns out to be something completely different and utterly bad. That’s what happened with the house in Bali. Here is my apology: I am sorry the owners of that villa painted such a beautiful picture of their home that it made me want to place my travelers there. I am sorry that picture was bullsh*t, and I’m sorry the speed at which things happened weren’t to your liking. But but but I will not apologize for arriving at the house, seeing that it was bad, and immediately begin working toward making the necessary change while simultaneously trying to keep everyone in good spirits. Also, you left after the first day in Bali and moved to a completely different region on the Island, at which point, “the leader” only saw you maybe three more times and that was to celebrate your birthday and eat. At no point before leaving, while you were gone, or after did you communicate anything directly to “the leader.”

Lamesha Miles, Potato Head Beach. Photographer: Ty Reed

And finally:

LAMESHA: The next day the rest of the group left, after the house had no electricity. The new house that they went to didn’t have 9 beds either, which struck me as strange. Overall this bad housing situation left a bad taste in my mouth and it was hard to move on and enjoy as this was the constant topic of discussion. I’m sure after this review I will be added to the “no-fly” list, which I’m okay with because I don’t plan on recommending this trip or traveling with this company again.

PASSPORT REQUIRED: Just so we’re clear, you’re saying you found it strange that “the leader” took the 5 people who stayed behind, patiently waiting to transfer houses, to a house with 5 beds? How is that strange? There were 5 people left to house and there were 5 beds at the new, amazing and beautiful villa. You’re saying you’re upset because even though you found a place to live and left to that new place without first talking to “the leader” about it, though you didn’t have to because you are an adult, you didn’t have a spare room in that new place? Once “the leader” was informed that you’d moved out and found another place to stay, what room were you supposed to have at the house the leader found? Here is another point where we don’t quite understand your complaint. As for the No-Fly list, I’ll have to disagree. This review isn’t the reason you’re no longer welcomed back. The feedback from your fellow travelers about you while still on the trip is the reason you’re no longer welcomed back.

A REAL APOLOGY TO THE OTHERS FROM PASSPORT REQUIRED: We are sorry the original housing in Bali was shitty. Of course we had no idea it would be that way, as we’d never put anyone in that situation, and we are thankful to you who rolled with the punches and made the most of a bad experience while “the leader” worked out the kinks. We apologize for not screening properly and leaving you in several situations to deal with bad attitudes and behaviors and negativity. In the future, not only will we ensure better lodging conditions from the start, we will also ensure that everyone the trip has read the website and is there to participate in JOY.

Our Second Bad Review in 3 Years: We’re On A Roll was originally published on Passport Required

#Bali #darnell Lamont walker #Lamesha Miles #PassportRequired #Review #Travel #Tumblr Travel Photography #TumblrTravel

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lindyhunt · 6 years

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19 of the Best Email Marketing Campaign Examples We've Ever Seen [+ Template]

On any given day, most of our email inboxes are flooded with a barrage of automated email newsletters that do little else besides giving us another task to do on our commutes to work -- namely, marking them all as unread without reading, or unsubscribing altogether.

But every now and then, we get a newsletter that's so good, not only do we read it, but we click it, share it, and recommend it to our friends.

What Makes an Effective Email Marketing Campaign?

Effective email marketing campaigns need to be cleverly written to attract attention in busy inboxes. Here are three things your next email campaign should have.

Personalization and Imagery

Marketing emails also need to be personalized to the reader and filled with interesting graphics. Few people want to read emails that are addressed "Dear Sir/Madam" -- as opposed to their first or last name -- and even fewer people want to read an email that simply gives them a wall of text. Visuals help your recipients quickly understand what the point of the email is.

Responsive Design

Effective email marketing campaigns are designed for all devices on which users can read their emails -- desktop, tablet, and smartphone. Email campaigns that are designed for mobile devices are especially important -- a quality known as "responsive design." In fact, 67% of emails today are read on either a smartphone or tablet.

An Appropriate Call-to-Action

Above all, exceptional marketing emails must contain a meaningful call-to-action (CTA). After all, if brands are taking up subscribers' time -- and inbox space -- with another email, every message must have a point to it. Internet users get multiple emails per day -- why should they care about yours?

You probably receive enough emails as it is, and it's tough to know which newsletters are worth subscribing to, so we've curated a list of some of our favorite examples. Read on to discover some great email campaign examples and what makes them great -- or just skip ahead to the brands you already know and love.

But first, download the planning template you'll need to craft your own lovable email marketing campaign.

Email Marketing Examples

charity: water: Donation Progress Update

Brooks Sports: Desiree Linden's Boston Marathon Victory

BuzzFeed: 'BuzzFeed Today' Newsletter

Uber: Calendar Integration

TheSkimm: Subscription Anniversary

Mom and Dad Money: Get to Know Your Subscribers

Poncho: Custom Weather Forecast

Birchbox: Co-marketing Promotion

Postmates: New Product

Dropbox: User Reengagement

InVision App: Weekly Blog Newsletter

Warby Parker: Product Renewal

Cook Smarts: Weekly Product Newsletter

HireVue: Customer Retention

Paperless Post: Mother's Day Promotion

Stitcher: Recommended for You

RCN: Storm Update

Trulia: Moving Trends

Redbubble: Featured Artist

P.S. - Want to get more out of your email signature? Yes -- it's possible.

1. charity: water

Marketing Campaign: Donation Progress Update

When people talk about email marketing, lots of them forget to mention transactional emails. These are the automated emails you get in your inbox after taking a certain action on a website. This could be anything from filling out a form, to purchasing a product, to updating you on the progress of your order. Often, these are plain text emails that marketers set and forget.

Well, charity: water took an alternate route. Once someone donates to a charity: water project, her money takes a long journey. Most charities don't tell you about that journey at all -- charity: water uses automated emails to show donors how their money is making an impact over time. With the project timeline and accompanying table, you don't even really need to read the email -- you know immediately where you are in the whole process so you can move onto other things in your inbox.

2. Brooks Sports

Marketing Campaign: Desiree Linden's Boston Marathon Victory

When Desiree Linden won the 2018 Boston Marathon, she became the first American woman to win the race in more than 30 years. To her shoe and apparel sponsor, Brooks Sports, it was an opportunity to celebrate their long partnership together. The resulting email campaign focuses almost entirely on the Olympic marathoner's amazing accomplishment.

Email campaigns like this one allow companies to demonstrate their loyalties and add value to the products their best users have chosen. The blue CTA button at the bottom of the email reads, "See Desiree's go-to gear." What better products to call attention to than the stuff worn by America's latest legend?

After Desiree's victory, everyone knew her name. Brooks Sports struck while the iron was hot with a proud email that was sure to be opened and forwarded.

3. BuzzFeed

Marketing Campaign: 'BuzzFeed Today' Newsletter

I already have a soft spot for BuzzFeed content ("21 Puppies so Cute You Will Literally Gasp and Then Probably Cry," anyone?), but that isn't the only reason I fell in love with its emails.

First of all, BuzzFeed has awesome subject lines and preview text. They are always short and punchy -- which fits in perfectly with the rest of BuzzFeed's content. I especially love how the preview text will accompany the subject line. For example, if the subject line is a question, the preview text is the answer. Or if the subject line is a command (like the one below), the preview text seems like the next logical thought right after it:

Once you open up an email from BuzzFeed, the copy is equally awesome. Just take a look at that glorious alt text action happening where the images should be. The email still conveys what it is supposed to convey -- and looks great -- whether you use an image or not. That's definitely something to admire.

Without images:

With images:

4. Uber

Marketing Campaign: Calendar Integration

The beauty of Uber's emails is in their simplicity. Email subscribers are alerted to deals and promotions with emails like the one you see below. We love how brief the initial description is, paired with a very clear CTA -- perfect for subscribers who are quickly skimming the email.

For the people who want to learn more, these are followed by a more detailed (but still pleasingly simple), step-by-step explanation of how the deal works.

We also love how consistent the design of Uber's emails is with its brand. Like its app, website, social media photos, and other parts of the visual branding, the emails are represented by bright colors and geometric patterns. All of its communications and marketing assets tell the brand's story -- and brand consistency is one tactic Uber's nailed in order to gain brand loyalty.

Check out the clever copywriting and email design at work in this example:

5. TheSkimm

Marketing Campaign: Subscription Anniversary

We love TheSkimm's daily newsletter -- especially its clean design and its short, punchy paragraphs. But newsletters aren't TheSkimm's only strength when it comes to email. Check out its subscriber engagement email below, which rewarded fellow marketer Ginny Mineo for being subscribed for two years.

Emails triggered by milestones, like anniversaries and birthdays, are fun to get -- who doesn't like to celebrate a special occasion? The beauty of anniversary emails, in particular, is that they don't require subscribers to input any extra data, and they can work for a variety of senders. Plus, the timeframe can be modified based on the business model.

Here, the folks at TheSkimm took it a step further by asking Mineo if she'd like to earn the title of brand ambassador as a loyal subscriber -- which would require her to share the link with ten friends, of course.

6. Mom and Dad Money

Marketing Campaign: Get to Know Your Subscribers

Think you know all about the people who are reading your marketing emails? How much of what you "know" about them is based on assumptions? The strongest buyer personas are based on insights you gather from your actual readership, through surveys, interviews, and so on -- in addition to the market research.

That's exactly what Matt Becker of Mom and Dad Money does -- and he does it very, very well.

Here's an example of an email I once received from this brand. Design-wise, it's nothing special -- but that's the point. It reads just like an email from a friend or colleague asking for a quick favor.

Not only was this initial email great, but his response to my answers was even better: Within a few days of responding to the questionnaire, I received a long and detailed personal email from Matt thanking me for filling out the questionnaire and offering a ton of helpful advice and links to resources specifically catered to my answers. I was very impressed by his business acumen, communication skills, and obvious dedication to his readers.

7. Poncho

Marketing Campaign: Custom Weather Forecast

Some of the best emails out there pair super simple design with brief, clever copy. When it comes down to it, daily emails I get from Poncho -- which sends me customizable weather forecasts each morning -- takes the cake.

Poncho's emails are colorful, use delightful images and GIFs, and are very easy to scan. The copy is brief but clever with some great puns, and it aligns perfectly with the brand. Check out the copy near the bottom asking to "hang out outside of email." Hats off to Poncho for using design to better communicate its message.

8. Birchbox

Marketing Campaign: Co-marketing Promotion

The subject line of this email from beauty product subscription service Birchbox got my colleague Pam Vaughan clicking. It read: "We Forgot Something in Your February Box!" Of course, if you read the email copy below, Birchbox didn't actually forget to put that discount code in her box -- but it was certainly a clever way to get her attention.

As it turned out, the discount code was actually a bonus promo for Rent the Runway, a dress rental company that likely fits the interest profile of most Birchbox customers -- which certainly didn't disappoint. That's a great co-marketing partnership right there.

9. Postmates

Marketing Campaign: New Product

I have to say, I'm a sucker for GIFs. They're easy to consume, they catch your eye, and they have an emotional impact -- like the fun GIF in one of Postmates' emails that's not only delightful to watch, but also makes you crave some delicious Chipotle.

You, too, can use animated GIFs in your marketing to show a fun header, draw people's eyes to a certain part of the email, or display your products and services in action.

10. Dropbox

Marketing Campaign: User Reengagement

You might think it'd be hard to love an email from a company whose product you haven't been using. But Dropbox found a way to make its "come back to us!" email cute and funny, thanks to a pair of whimsical cartoons and an emoticon.

Plus, the email was kept short and sweet, to emphasize the message that Dropox didn't want to intrude -- it just wants to remind the recipient that the brand exists, and why it could be helpful. When sending these types of email, you might include an incentive for recipients to come back to using your service, like a limited-time coupon.

11. InVision App

Marketing Campaign: Weekly Blog Newsletter

Every week, the folks at InVision send a roundup of their best blog content, their favorite design links from the week, and a new opportunity to win a free t-shirt. (Seriously. They give away a new design every week.) They also sometimes have fun survey questions where they crowdsource for their blog. This week's, for example, asked subscribers what they would do if the internet didn't exist.

Not only is InVision's newsletter a great mix of content, but I also love the nice balance between images and text, making it really easy to read and mobile-friendly -- which is especially important, because its newsletters are so long. (Below is just an excerpt, but you can read through the full email here.) We like the clever copy on the call-to-action (CTA) buttons, too.

12. Warby Parker

Marketing Campaign: Product Renewal

What goes better with a new prescription than a new pair of glasses? The folks at Warby Parker made that connection very clear in their email to a friend of mine back in 2014. It's an older email, but it's such a good example of personalized email marketing that I had to include it in here.

The subject line was: "Uh-oh, your prescription is expiring." What a clever email trigger. And you've gotta love the reminder that your prescription needs updating.

Speaking of which, check out the clever co-marketing at the bottom of the email: If you don't know where to go to renew your subscription, the information for an optometrist is right in the email. Now there's no excuse not to shop for new glasses!

13. Cook Smarts

Marketing Campaign: Weekly Product Newsletter

I've been a huge fan of Cook Smarts' "Weekly Eats" newsletter for a while. The company sends yummy recipes in the form of a meal plan to my inbox every week. But I didn't just include it because of its delicious recipes -- I'm truly a fan of its emails.

I especially love the layout of Cook Smarts' emails: Each message features three distinct sections: one for the menu, one for kitchen how-to's, and one for the tips. That means you don't have to go hunting to find the most interesting part of its blog posts -- you know exactly where to look after an email or two.

I also love Cook Smarts' "Forward to a Friend" CTA in the top-right of the email. Emails are super shareable over -- you guessed it -- email, so you should also think about reminding your subscribers to forward your emails to friends, family, or coworkers.

14. HireVue

Marketing Campaign: Customer Retention

"Saying goodbye is never easy to do… So, we thought we’d give you a chance to rethink things." That was the subject of this automated unsubscribe email from HireVue. We love the simple, guilt-free messaging here, from the funny header images to the great CTA button copy.

Not only are the design and copy here top-notch, but we applaud the folks at HireVue for sending automated unsubscribe emails in the first place. It's smart to purge your subscriber lists of folks who aren't opening your email lists, because low open rates can seriously hurt email deliverability.

15. Paperless Post

Marketing Campaign: Mother's Day Promotion

When you think of "holiday email marketing," your mind might jump straight to Christmas, but there are other holidays sprinkled throughout the rest of the year that you can create campaigns around. (Download these email marketing planning templates to keep yourself organized throughout the year.)

Take the email below from Paperless Post, for example. I love the header of this email: It provides a clear CTA that includes a sense of urgency. Then, the subheader asks a question that forces recipients to think to themselves, "Wait, when is Mother's Day again? Did I buy Mom a card?" Below this copy, the simple grid design is both easy to scan and quite visually appealing. Each card picture is a CTA in and of itself -- click on any one of them, and you'll be taken to a purchase page.

16. Stitcher

Marketing Campaign: Recommended for You

As humans, we tend to crave personalized experiences. So when emails appear to be created especially for you, you feel special -- you’re not just getting what everyone else is getting. You might even feel like the company sending you the email knows you in some way, and that it cares about your preferences and making you happy.

That's why I love on-demand podcast/radio show app Stitcher's "Recommended For You" emails. I tend to listen to episodes from the same podcast instead of branching out to new ones. But Stitcher wants me to discover (and subscribe to) all the other awesome content it has -- and I probably wouldn't without this encouragement.

I think this email also makes quite a brilliant use of responsive design. The colors are bright, and it's not too hard to scroll and click -- notice the CTAs are large enough for me to hit with my thumbs. Also, the mobile email actually has features that make sense for recipients who are on their mobile device. Check out the CTA at the bottom of the email, for example: The "Open Stitcher Radio" button prompts the app to open on your phone.

17. RCN

Marketing Campaign: Storm Update

Internet providers and bad weather are natural enemies. You'd think telecommunications companies wouldn't want to call attention to storm-induced power outages -- the one thing that sets off customers' impatience. Then, there's RCN.

RCN, a cable and wireless internet service, turned this email marketing campaign into a weather forecast just for its customers. This "storm update" got the company out ahead of an event that threatened its service, while allowing its users to get the weather updates they need right from the company they count on for Wi-Fi.

As you can see below, the email even advises personal safety -- a nice touch of care to go with the promise of responsive service. At the bottom of the email, RCN also took the opportunity to highlight its social media channels, which the company appropriately uses to keep users informed of network outages.

18. Trulia

Marketing Campaign: Moving Trends

I'm a huge advocate of thought leadership. To me, some of the best companies gain customer loyalty by becoming the go-to source for expertise on a given topic. Trulia -- a property search engine for buyers, sellers, and renters -- is that expert in the real estate biz. How do I know? Just read their emails, much like the one below.

"Why aren't millennials moving?" The subject line of this email campaign reads before citing interesting data about relocation trends in the U.S. Trulia doesn't benefit from people who choose not to move, but the company does benefit from having its fingers on the pulse of the industry -- and showing it cares which way the real estate winds are blowing.

19. Redbubble

Marketing Campaign: Featured Artist

This email marketing campaign crushes it, and for so many reasons.

Not only is the design below super eye-catching -- without looking cluttered -- but the artwork is user-made. Redbubble sells merchandise featuring designs from artists all over the world. This presents a golden opportunity to feature popular submissions across the Redbubble community.

The example below showcases artwork from "Letter Shoppe," and when that artist sees Redbubble featuring her content, she's more likely to forward it to friends and colleagues.

In addition to linking to Letter Shoppe's designs (available on merchandise that is ultimately sold by Redbubble), the email campaign includes an endearing quote by the Featured Artist: "Never compromise on your values, and only do work you want to get more of." Redbubble's customers are likely to agree -- and open other emails in this campaign for more inspiring quotes.

These are just some of our favorite emails. Don't just follow best practice when it comes to your marketing emails. Every email you send from your work email address also can be optimized to convert. Try out our free email signature generator now, and check out some more of our favorite HubSpot marketing email examples.

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